CARY, N.C. (Sept. 14, 2019) - Orlando Pride (4-15-2, 14 points) dropped a 6-1 decision to the league-leading North Carolina Courage (12-4-4, 40 points) on Saturday night at WakeMed Soccer Park. Rachel Hill scored the lone goal for the Pride on the night, off an assist from Danica Evans.
Orlando Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner:
âLook, they are the best team in this league and have been for a while. Iâm disappointed with the scoreline. I think we saw a lot about what we have at Orlando Pride that has to change...So weâve got lots and lots of work to do. Iâve just said to them though, I understand where weâre at and I understand what we need and Iâll make sure we get it.â
Scoring Recap:
6â Lynn Williams (Kristen Hamilton) - NC 1, ORL 0
The home team took a one goal lead in the sixth minute after Kristen Hamilton sent an outswinging cross into the area. Lynn Williams was found on the other end, one-timing a volley in for the Courageâs first goal of the night.
37â Kristen Edmonds (Own Goal) - NC 2, ORL 0
It became a two goal advantage for the home side after an own goal from Kristen Edmonds, as the defenderâs clear attempt was mishit and beat an outstretched Ashlyn Harris.
41â Jessica McDonald (Jaelene Hinkle) - NC 3, ORL 0
The Courage took a three goal lead minutes from half after Jaelene Hinkle found Jessica McDonald on a cross into the box.
78â McKenzie Meehan (Jessica McDonald) - NC 4, ORL 0
McKenzie Meehan pounced on a ball in the box, giving the Courage a four-goal advantage toward the end of the match.
83â Rachel Hill (Danica Evans) - NC 4, ORL 1
The Pride cut one back late in the game, after second-half substitute Rachel Hill struck on a shot from the top of the box. After a header from Dani Weatherholt, Danica Evans slipped Hill with an inside pass for the goal.
85â Heather OâReilly (McCall Zerboni) - NC 5, ORL 1
The Courage responded through the boot of Heather OâReilly, who capitalized with a shot from the top of the box.
90+2â Debinha (Heather OâReilly) - NC 6, ORL 1
North Carolina finished off the scoring late in the match after Debinha was slipped in on a pass from OâReilly.
- Match Notes:
- Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris finished the night with six saves, her second-straight match with a half dozen stops.
- Ashlyn Harris denied the Courage from taking a two-goal lead in the 14th minute, diving to her left to block away a penalty kick attempt from Ashlyn Harris.
- With her 82nd minute goal, Rachel Hill notched her third goal of the year.
- Danica Evans picked up her first assist of the year on Hillâs goal.
Next Match: Orlando will see a bye week before returning to play on Sept. 29, the final road match for the Pride. The team is set to travel to Sky Blue FC, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
Scoring Summary:
NC - Lynn Williams (Kristen Hamilton) 6â
NC - Kristen Edmonds (Own Goal) 37â
NC - Jessica McDonald (Jaelene Hinkle) 41â
NC - McKenzie Meehan (Jessica McDonald) 78â
ORL - Rachel Hill (Danica Evans) 83â
NC - Heather OâReilly (McCall Zerboni) 85â
NC - Debinha (Heather OâReilly) 90+2â
Misconduct Summary:
ORL - Erin Greening (Yellow Card) 11â
ORL - Abby Elinsky (Yellow Card) 28â
ORL - Alanna Kennedy (Yellow Card) 29â
Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando Pride - GK Ashlyn Harris Âİ; D Erin Greening, Ali Krieger, Shelina Zadorsky, Kristen Edmonds; M Claire Emslie (Camila 68â), Alanna Kennedy, Marisa Viggiano (Bridget Callahan 81â), Dani Weatherholt, Abby Elinsky (Rachel Hill 68â); F Danica Evans
Substitutes Not Used: GK Haley Kopmeyer; D Morgan Reid, Julie King; M Jo Boyles
North Carolina - GK Stephanie Labbe; D Heather OâReilly (90+3â), Abby Dahlkemper, Abby Erceg Âİ, Jaelene Hinkle; M McCall Zerboni, Denise OâSullivan, Debinha, Crystal Dunn (Cari Roccaro 72â); F Kristen Hamilton (Jessica McDonald 14â), Lynn Williams (McKenzie Meehan 65â)
Substitutes Not Used: GK Katelyn Rowland; D Merritt Mathias; M Samantha Mewis, Meredith Speck
Details of the Game:
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear
Date: September 14, 2019
Attendance: 9,563
Stats Summary: NC / ORL
Possession: 67.2% / 32.8%
Shots: 23 / 4
Shots on Goal: 11 / 2
Saves: 1 / 6
Corner Kicks: 6 / 1
Fouls: 7 / 9
Offside: 7 / 0
Officials:
REF: Natalie Simon
AR1: Brooke Mayo
AR2: Meghan Mullen
4TH: Laura Rodriguez
